Hikes along the GOR

It's not a road trip with the boys if we don't get out of the car to stretch our legs by trampling in the woods. Luckily for us there are many good hikes along the GOR, including ones that reward you with a waterfall in the end. :)

Warning signs before the hike . . . I especially like the 3rd one involving falling trees.

Can you spot Whit? Scott and I were taking photos of the area and when we turned around, Whit had already jumped over the railing. He never misses a chance to go climbing on slippery rocks!

Erskine Falls (thanks Scott for being our photographer on the trip!)

Great Ocean Road!

We've been dying to go to the Great Ocean Road (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Ocean_Road ) since we arrived in Victoria, and what a treat it was to take our 3rd visitor from the States, Scott, along with us. The GOR is Australia's answer to CA's Highway 1. The 151 mile curvy drive down the coast line included sweeping views of the Southern Ocean, traversing through the rain forest and woods, and passing through quaint beach towns that are sure to be holiday destinations in the summer. Gorgeous!

Here we go- let's hope Debbie doesn't get car sick in the little 3 door stick shift car!

Leave your suits at home- this is no place for a swim!

Lord Ard Gorge

Scott and Whit with 2 of the "12 Apostles"

The most popular site along the GOR- The Twelve Apostles . . . though everyone still calls it by this name, there are only about 7 of these limestone formations standing now.

"The Magic Hour"

A phrase that we first heard in one of Rick Steve's travel shows, "The Magic Hour" refers to that time of day as the sun is setting and the sky turns to dusk. The colors can be quite amazing some days. Strolling along the banks of the Yarra River has become a favorite habit here in Melbourne.

Sydney with the Ing's

Debbie's family came for a 3 week visit to Australia and our first meeting place with them was in Sydney. Here are some photos from Bondi Beach and Circular Quay (pronounced "key") where the famous bridge and opera house are located.
Sydney is a great city, one that we consider fun to visit, but not so fun to live in. Compared to Melbourne things are a little more expensive here, public transportation isn't as readily available, and the city is sprawling, making it more time consuming and difficult to get to places. Though the Circular Key area and harbor do get some major points and a big "WOW" factor for sure. :)